Domestic Violence - a Heart Breaking Reality

It's the call every police officer hates to respond to, "domestic violence in progress". The heartbreaking results of a relationship between two people that has reached its boiling point require law enforcement officers to take special care in how they choose to handle the call.

In Grays Harbor County, Washington domestic violence calls to the Domestic Violence Center of Grays Harbor average approximately 500 calls a month, with some months as high as 560. According to Grays Harbor County Under Sheriff Rick Scott, although domestic calls are not unusually high in the county they still are a big concern for the county's sheriff's department. Scott says that the call numbers in Grays Harbor mirror the national numbers per capita.

"There are no "seasonal high periods" for domestic violence calls but historically during the holiday seasons the calls come in more frequently," Scott said. "Our officers do all they can to help the victims of this type of crime. We offer whatever help is needed in a domestic violence case to both parties."

Scott says that their department trains its officers to handle these cases in ways that will aid the victim as well as the abuser in ensuring that the violence doesn't continue.

"Our officers carry literature that provides information on how to avoid situations that can turn violent," Scott said. "We also provide agency information to the victims that help them get out of a situation where they are being abused."

One of the services local crisis intervention agencies provide is the use of 911 cell phones to those victims who do not have a telephone.

"There are times when we will answer a call and the victim is afraid because they will be unable to call for help if their abuser comes back," Scott said. "In this case many of the local agencies provide 911 cell phones for their use."

The 911 cell phone program allows victims the use of 911 services without the use of traditional telephone services. The program is provided through a cooperative effort between local law enforcement and crisis intervention programs.

So how do you know if a friend or family member is the victim of domestic violence? According to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence there are signs that appear long before the bruises do.

A woman, (or man) who is unusually accommodating to a spouse or partner.

An abuse victim will often flinch when quick movements are made close to them.

Victims often stay secluded from family and friends.

Apparent alcohol abuse.

Victims are often secretive in nature.

Abusers are often controlling with victims.

Victims are often overly apologetic.

Then there are the obvious signs:
Bruises
Obvious attempts to cover injuries with make-up or clothing
Overt fear
Uncontrollable crying
Cutting ones self completely off from family and friends.

These are just a few of the signs to watch for. If you suspect a family member or friend is being abused the first step is to attempt to talk to them but if the abuse continues agencies suggest that you contact local law enforcement. One of the laws pertaining to domestic violence that changed in 1998 involves changes in how domestic violence cases are reported.

Previously police officers could not take action unless the victim wanted to press charges against their abuser, however within the changes that took place in 1998 officers may now assess a situation and if they determine that abuse has taken place, they can arrest the abuser without the victim pressing charges.

According to the NCADV this was a huge step forward in the fight against domestic violence. "Before police officers had to rely on the victims testimony and many times the victims were too afraid to speak out," states NCADV spokesperson Carol Stein. "Now officers can take action and more lives can be saved."

Locally if you know someone affected by domestic violence or are a victim yourself you can contact the Domestic Violence Center at 360-538-0733 or any local police department while nationally call 1-800-799-SAFE.